Mailman murder suspect with history of violence indicted in brazen lunch break attack

Jaia Cruz, the 6-foot-4-inch suspect also known as Alvin, allegedly started an argument with 36-year-old postal carrier Ray Hodge III as they stood in line to order lunch sandwiches on Jan. 2.

Hodge suffered knife wounds to his chest, neck and arm, authorities said.

Hodge was pronounced deceased at Harlem Hospital. He was a father of two whose colleagues at the USPS remembered him as a "great, kind soul" on social media.

"We are extremely hurt and saddened by the loss of my brother," his brother Ed Rice told Fox News Digital previously. "He was a remarkable person and touched a lot of people in a positive manner. We have been silent in our grieving and are handling my brother's affairs." 

"This alleged broad-daylight stabbing shook the neighborhood, including the deli workers and customers who witnessed the attack," Bragg said. "My thoughts are with those grieving the loss of Ray Hodge, a postal worker and beloved father of two."

The family created a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs.

"Ray touched the lives of everyone he interacted with," the fundraiser reads. "Ray was a hardworking, honorable and good man whose life epitomized his values and his willingness to help others. Ray touched the lives of so many, and we all are truly blessed to have known and had the opportunity to love him."